Anemia is a pervasive disease, afflicting nearly a sixth of the world's population, with hospitalization frequently exacerbating the condition. Anemic patients are prone to prolonged hospital stays, heightened morbidity and increased mortality, making the improvement of care for anemic hospitalized patients an imperative in healthcare. Hospitalized patients routinely have multifactorial anemia.
To achieve this objective, evidence-based strategies must be implemented, including the incorporation of the main pillars of Patient Blood Management (PBM). PBM consists of four main concepts including: 1) identification, treatment and improving tolerance of anemia 2) Blood conservation techniques 3) Optimization of Coagulopathy and 4) Patient centered decision making.
Implementation of anemia management protocols has been demonstrated to reduce the time to treatment initiation and improve the accuracy of treatment decisions, leading to improved patient outcomes. In addition, there are methods to be used that improve patient’s tolerance of anemia.
Treatment of inpatients should also include methods to reduce blood loss in both procedures and also innocuous tasks such as phlebotomy. Other methods to reduce the chance of blood loss due to bleeding is the appropriate use of anticoagulants and urgent/directed reversal of coagulopathy secondary to either low quantities of clotting components or pharmacologic causes.
Lastly, focusing on the patient in front of you and moving away from treating numbers and instead on what is the current needs of the patient. Patient’s tolerance of anemia is wide varying. Patient education also plays a pivotal role in the improvement of care for anemic hospitalized patients. Patients must be apprised of the causes and consequences of anemia, as well as the significance of appropriate treatment. Education empowers patients to make informed decisions regarding their care, leading to improved outcomes.
Further research is necessary to determine the optimal implementation of these strategies and to gain a deeper understanding of the most effective methods for improving care for anemic hospitalized patients.
